Adjustable signal back plate

ABSTRACT

A backplate structure for use with traffic signal light devices for framing the signal device to improve its visibility. The backplate is generally rectangular in configuration and includes two relatively long, substantially parallel side panels and two shorter substantially parallel end panels. The side panels are joined to the end panels by adjustable connections which permit the total area enclosed by the backplate to be enlarged or diminished to accommodate various sizes of traffic signal light structures. The side panels have inturned flanges for mounting the backplate to the housing of traffic signal light devices, and the side and end panels each have longitudinally extending reinforcement ribs formed therein for strengthening the backplate which is preferably made from a lightweight thermoplastic material.

United States Patent Primary Examiner-Harold I Pitts Attorney- Laney Dunlap ABSTRACT: A backplate structure for use with traffic signal light devices for framing the signal device to improve its visibility. The backplate is generally rectangular in configuration and includes two relatively long, substantially parallel side panels and two shorter substantially parallel end panels. The side panels are joined to the end panels by adjustable connections which permit the total area enclosed by the backplate to be enlarged or diminished to accommodate various sizes of traffic signal light structures. The side panels have inturned flanges for mounting the backplate to the housing of traffic signal light devices, and the side and end panels each have longitudinally extending reinforcement ribs formed therein for strengthening the backplate which is preferably made from a lightweight thermoplastic material.

PATENTEU m2 3 am INVENTOR. AL RE-O 2 A/QDUH/V ADJUSTABLE SIGNAL BACK PLATE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to shield devices, and more particularly, to backplates for traffic signal light devices.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Conventional electrically operated, visually perceptible traffic signal devices used at intersections for controlling traffic usually include two or three lights which are either red and green in color or, in many instances, further include a yellow caution light. The two or three lights are usually arranged in vertical alignment, and include lamps enclosed within suitable weatherproof housings. It is, perhaps, a universal experience of the operators of motor vehicles to encounter situations where background glare due to sunlight makes it difficult to perceive whether one or the other of the several lamps used in the conventional traffic signal light structure is lighted and glowing. A change in the position of the driver with respect to the signal light structure may improve perception with respect to which lamp is lit,,but frequently, this position change is not possible in heavy traffic. Visors which have been provided to project outwardly around the globes or covers for the several lamps afford some improvement in reducing glare and permitting the driver to perceive more accurately the lamp which is lighted at a particular time. However, this additional structure has not afforded a complete solution to the problem of glare and background lighting interferences which prevent immediate identification of the status of the traffic signal by drivers on all occasions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION of the present invention is generally rectangular in configura tion and includes a pair of elongated, substantially parallel side plates and a pair of relatively'shorter, substantially parallel end plates. The end plates are engaged with the side plates through adjustable connections which permit the end plates to be moved further from each other, or the sideplates to be moved further apart, or both of these variations in overall configuration to be simultaneously effected. Stated differently, the adjustability of the backplate structure permits the area of the enclosed rectangle to be enlarged. In this way, the backplate can be adjusted to fit substantially any of the several sizes of traffic light devices now in use. Thus, the backplate structure of this invention can be described as essentially universal, and can be mounted on substantially any traffic light structure to provide an aesthetic structural combination with the traffic light.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the backplate structure is made of a fairly lightweight, heavy gauge thermoplastic material, is covered with a paint or pigment which has a low reflectance, and is characterized in having both the side panels and end panels thereof provided with longitudinally extending ribs which provide reinforcement and structural strength for the backplate structure. The two side panels of the backplate structure have rearwardly extending flanges which project out of the plane of the backplate structure and facilitate the mounting of the backplate structure to the housing of the traffic signal light device.

From the foregoing general description of the invention, it will be apparent that it is an important object of the invention to provide an aesthetically attractive backplate structure for traffic signal light devices, which backplate structure effectively improves the visibility of traffic signal lights and prevents excessive glare originating behind the traffic light from blinding vehicle operators so that visual perception of the lamp which is lighted is prevented.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight easily installed backplate for traffic signal lights.

Another object of the invention is to provide a weather resistant, mechanically strong backplate structure for use in conjunction with traffic signal lights.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a backplate structure for traffic signal light devices which is adjustable so that it may be mountedon substantially any of the various sizes of traffic signal light devices now in use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a backplate glare and reflection reducing structure for use with traffic signal lights, which structure has a nonreflective matte finish which reduces to a very 'low level the reflection of light therefrom.

Another object of the invention is to provide a backplate structure for use with traffic signal lights which can be easily installed on the traffic signal light without the necessity to remove the lamps used in the signal light.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following detailed description of the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in elevation of the backplate structure of the invention as it appears before mounting on a traffic signal light.

FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of the backplate structure of the invention as it appears when mounted on a traffic signal light.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, shown therein is a preferred embodiment of the backplate structure of the present invention. The backplate structure includes a pair of elongated, substantially parallel side panels 10 and 12 and a pair of relatively shorter, substantially parallel end panels 14 and 16. It will be perceived that the side panels 10 and 12 are secured to the end panels 14 and 16 to form a generally rectangular structure having a substantially rectangular opening in the center thereof.

At the corners of the rectangular backplate structure, adjustable means are provided for interconnecting the side panels 10 and 12 with the end panels 14 and 16. The adjustable means includes, in each of the side panels 10 and 12, a transversely extending slot 18 in one end thereof and a longitudinally extending slot 20 in the other end thereof. It will be perceived in referring to FIG. 1 that the assembly is arranged in such way that the transversely extending slot 18 in the side panel 10 is located at the end thereof which is aligned with the end of the side panel 12 carrying the longitudinal slot 20 of the latter panel. Thus, the other ends of the two side panels 10 and 12 also carry, in the case of the side panel 12, the transversely extending slot 18 while the side panel 10 carries the longitudinally extending slot 20.

Formed in the opposite ends of each of the end panels 14 and 16 are a pair of apertures 22 and 24 which are positioned in each of the end panels so as to be aligned with the nearest adjacent slot 18 or 20 fonned in the underlying side panels 10 and 112 when the end edges of the side panels are aligned with the end edges of the two end panels 14 and 16. Extending through the apertures 22 and 24 and through the respective slotsl8 and 20 aligned therewith are screws 25 which have suitable washers 27 therearound and which are threaded into lock nuts 29.

'It will also be noted in referring to FIG. I that each of the panels Ill-I6 is provided with elongated, longitudinally extending ribs or corrugations 26 which serve to provide mechanical strength to the several panels and prevent warping or inadvertent bending of the panels. The ribs 26 of the side panels and 12 do not extend a sufiicient distance along the side panels to interfere with the end panels 14'- and 16. it will also be noted that the ribs in the end panels 1.4 and 16 are pressed out of the panels on the side thereof which does not contact the side panels 10 and 12 so that they do not interfere with the close abutting contact or fit between the several panels.

The several panels 10-46 of the backplate structure are preferably constructed of a strong, heavy gauge, thermoplastic material having a relatively high degree of resiliency so that it will return to its original position if temporarily bent from the shape depicted in FIG. 1. The use of the plastic construction greatly decreases the total weight of the backplate structure, permits it to be more easily and safely mounted on the traffic signal light and permits the structure to be corrosion resistant. A nonreflective matte finish is preferably provided on the panels of the backplate so that light is not reflected therefrom. This finish is preferably black in color.

As illustrated by the dashed line configuration shown in FIG. 1, the backplate structure can be changed in its dimensions so as to accommodate the structure to traffic signal lights of varying sizes. Thus, by loosening the lock nuts 29 on the screws 25, the side panels 10 and 12 can be moved with respect to the end panels 14 and 16 so that the total area of the rectangle enclosed by the backplate structure can be enlarged both longitudinally and transversely. Moreover, by arranging the slots 18 and 20 in the side plates 10 and 12 in the manner shown (that is, with the slots at the aligned ends of the two side panels running in opposite directions), the enlargement of the rectangle formed by the backplate structure is accomplished without misalignment or offsetting of the end edges of the side panels with respect to the end edges of the end panels. A neat configuration of the backplate structure as thus enlarged is therefore maintained. It will be noted in referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings that each of the end panels 14 and 16 is provided with a rearwardly extending flange 31, which extends along the outer edge thereof. Similarly, the side panels 10 and 12 are each provided with a rearwardly extending flange 33 which extends along the outer edge thereof.

In referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, it will be noted that each of the side panels 10 and 12, such as the side panel 12 shown in this FIG., is provided with an elongated flange which projects from the inner edge of the side panel substantially normal to the major plane of the side panel. The elongated flange 30 extends over a major portion of the length of each of the side panels 10 and 12, but each flange 30 terminates short of the end portion of the respective side flange which is in contact with the end panels 14 and 16.

The elongated flanges 30 are employed to mount the backplate structure of the invention on a traffic signal light. Such a traffic signal light structure is illustrated in FIG. 1, and is designated generally by reference numeral 32. The traffic signal light structure 32 includes a housing which is of substantially right parallelepiped configuration and which includes a top wall and a bottom wall (not visible), and a pair of opposed, substantially parallel sidewalls, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 3 and is designated by reference numeral 34. Mounted within the housing and facing the front side thereof are a plurality of vertically aligned lamps 36. Conventional lenses 38 are carried in hinged doors 40 and cover the lamps when the doors are closed.

The backplate structure of the invention is mounted on the traffic signal light structure 32 by adjusting the size of the rectangle formed by the side panels 10 and 12 and end panels 14 and 16 so that the elongated flanges 30 of the side panels 10 and 12 abut the opposed substantially parallel sidewalls 34 of the traffic signal light housing. The end panels 14 and 16 are brought toward each other by adjustment of the backplate structure until these end panels come to rest on the top and bottom walls of the traffic signal light housing. With the backplate structure in this position, it appears in relation to the traffic signal light structure 32 are illustrated in front elevation in FIG. 1. The backplate structure is then secured in this position on the traffic signal light structure 32 by extending suitable bolts through the elongated flanges 30 and through apertures 44 formed in the sidewalls 34 of the traffic signal light housing.

When the backplate structure of the invention is thus mounted on a traffic signal light, it shields the eyes of a vehicle operator from the glare of the sun when the sun is behind the signal light structure. The reinforcing ribs or corrugations 26 impart high strength to the back plate structure, and the adjustability of the structure in the novel manner provided permits it to remain in an aesthetic form when adjusted for attachment to the signal light structure.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein described by way of illustration, it will be understood that various changes and innovations can be made in the described and depicted structure without departure from the basic principles of the invention. All changes and modifications of this type are therefore deemed to be circumscribed by the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A back plate structure for a traffic signal light comprismg:

a pair of elongated, substantially parallel side panels each having a longitudinally extending slot adjacent one end thereof, and a transversely extending slot adjacent the opposite end thereof;

a first end panel having holes adjacent opposite ends thereof;

first fastening means extending through one of the holes in said first end panel and through the transversely extending slot in one of said side panels for adjustably securing one end of said first end panel to one end of said side panel;

second fastening means extending through the other of the holes in said first end panel and through the longitudinally extending slot in said other side panel for adjustably securing the other end of said first end panel to one end of said other side panel;

a second end panel having holes adjacent opposite ends thereof and extending substantially parallel to said first end panel;

third fastening means extending through one of the holes in said second end panel and through the longitudinally extending slot in said one side panel for adjustably securing one end of said second end panel to one end of said one side panel; and

fourth fastening means extending through the other of the holes in said second end panel and through the transversely extending slot in said other side panel for adjustably securing the other end of said second end panel to one end of said second side panel. 2.

2. A backplate structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said side panels and end panels each have longitudinally extending, reinforcing ribs thereon.

3. A backplate structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said side panels has an elongated flange extending from the edge thereof nearest the other side panel and substantially normal to the plane of the respective side panel.

4. A backplate structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said panels has a nonlight reflective surface finish on one side thereof.

5. A backplate structure as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said side panels has an elongated flange extending from the edge thereof nearest the other side panel and substantially normal to the plane of the respective side panel.

6. A backplate structure as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said panels has a nonlight reflective surface finish on one side thereof.

7. A traffic signal light structure comprising:

a right parallelepiped shaped housing including a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of opposed, substantially parallel sidewails;

a plurality of vertically aligned lamps mounted in said housing and facing the front thereof;

a plurality of lenses covering said lamps; a backplate structure framing said housing and comprising: a first side panel extending from the top wall to the bottom wall of said housing along one sidewall thereof and substantially normal to said one sidewall, said first side panel having a mounting flange secured tosaid one sidewall;

a second side panel extending from the top sidewall to the bottom sidewall of said housing along the second sidewall thereof and substantially normal to said second sidewall of said housing, said second side panel having a mounting flange secured to said second sidewall;

a first end panel in juxtaposition to the top wall of said housing and having its opposite ends adjustably secured to the upper ends of said side panels; and

a second end panel in juxtaposition to the lower wall of said housing and having its opposite ends adjustably secured to the lower ends of said side panels.

d. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said panels form a rectangle of adjustable area.

9. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said side panels are attached to said end panels to permit said side panels to be moved apart from each other, and said end panels to be simultaneously moved apart from each other while maintaining edges of the side panels in alignment with edges of said end panels.

10. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said first and second side panels each have a transversely extending slot therein near one end thereof and a longitu dinally extending slot erein near the other end thereof; and wherein each of said erid panels are secured to said side panels by a first fastening element extending through said transversely extending slot in one of said side panels, and a second fastening element extending through said longitudinally extending slot in the other of said side panels.

11. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said side panels and end panels each have reinforcing ribs formed integrally therein.

12. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said side panels and end panels are thermoplastic material.

13. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 10 wherein said side panels and end panels each have reinforcing ribs formed integrally therein. 

1. A back plate structure for a traffic signal light comprising: a pair of elongated, substantially parallel side panels each having a longitudinally extending slot adjacent one end thereof, and a transversely extending slot adjacent the opposite end thereof; a first end panel having holes adjacent opposite ends thereof; first fastening means extending through one of the holes in said first end panel and through the transversely extending slot in one of said side panels for adjustably securing one end of said first end panel to one end of said side panel; second fastening means extending through the other of the holes in said first end panel and through the longitudinally extending slot in said other side panel for adjustably securing the other end of said first end panel to one end of said other side panel; a second end panel having holes adjacent opposite ends thereof and extending substantially parallel to said first end panel; third fastening means extending through one of the holes in said second end panel and through the longitudinally extending slot in said one side panel for adjustably securing one end of said second end panel to one end of said one side panel; and fourth fastening means extending through the other of the holes in said second end paNel and through the transversely extending slot in said other side panel for adjustably securing the other end of said second end panel to one end of said second side panel.
 2. 2. A backplate structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said side panels and end panels each have longitudinally extending, reinforcing ribs thereon.
 3. A backplate structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said side panels has an elongated flange extending from the edge thereof nearest the other side panel and substantially normal to the plane of the respective side panel.
 4. A backplate structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said panels has a nonlight reflective surface finish on one side thereof.
 5. A backplate structure as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said side panels has an elongated flange extending from the edge thereof nearest the other side panel and substantially normal to the plane of the respective side panel.
 6. A backplate structure as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said panels has a nonlight reflective surface finish on one side thereof.
 7. A traffic signal light structure comprising: a right parallelepiped shaped housing including a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of opposed, substantially parallel sidewalls; a plurality of vertically aligned lamps mounted in said housing and facing the front thereof; a plurality of lenses covering said lamps; a backplate structure framing said housing and comprising: a first side panel extending from the top wall to the bottom wall of said housing along one sidewall thereof and substantially normal to said one sidewall, said first side panel having a mounting flange secured to said one sidewall; a second side panel extending from the top sidewall to the bottom sidewall of said housing along the second sidewall thereof and substantially normal to said second sidewall of said housing, said second side panel having a mounting flange secured to said second sidewall; a first end panel in juxtaposition to the top wall of said housing and having its opposite ends adjustably secured to the upper ends of said side panels; and a second end panel in juxtaposition to the lower wall of said housing and having its opposite ends adjustably secured to the lower ends of said side panels.
 8. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said panels form a rectangle of adjustable area.
 9. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said side panels are attached to said end panels to permit said side panels to be moved apart from each other, and said end panels to be simultaneously moved apart from each other while maintaining edges of the side panels in alignment with edges of said end panels.
 10. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said first and second side panels each have a transversely extending slot therein near one end thereof and a longitudinally extending slot therein near the other end thereof; and wherein each of said end panels are secured to said side panels by a first fastening element extending through said transversely extending slot in one of said side panels, and a second fastening element extending through said longitudinally extending slot in the other of said side panels.
 11. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said side panels and end panels each have reinforcing ribs formed integrally therein.
 12. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 7 wherein said side panels and end panels are thermoplastic material.
 13. A traffic signal light structure as defined in claim 10 wherein said side panels and end panels each have reinforcing ribs formed integrally therein. 